You guys may recall this very casual jeans + tee outfit from a recent post. I wanted to show how it can serve as a foundation for other outfits like this one, easily dressed up with some layering and accessorizing. My scarf is actually square but I was experimenting with folding it in an oblong shape (I like how it frames the jacket lapels) and also as a more eye-catching bow - see the bottom of this blog post for step-by-step instructions on both folds!
Today's post is in partnership with Nordstrom shoes, so I figured I'd round up some styles that I've purchased over the years and wear regularly on here. I organized these by a few style categories that every wardrobe could use for the spring season:

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Wedges: My BP Summers sandals (worn in this post, also here and here) are my tallest shoes, and usually what I default to when I want the extra height or leg-lengthening look. They are more comfortable than regular heels given the wedge, and are my shoe of choice for grassy or sandy settings where thin heels would just sink in. Fit note: The front straps run narrow, so size up per the reviews!Block-heeled sandals: I love a stylish yet sturdy, walk-able block heel. I just posted about my Dune jeweled ones (current version here), which unfortunately only start in a size 36 and up (fits like a US 6). Here are two other classic block-heeled options that caught my eye, available in size 5 or even size 4: Caslon slingback in white, yellow, or navy; VANEli slingback in cognac brown, white, or navy.

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Espadrilles: I've been getting a lot of questions on my Soludos espadrilles lately, so want to reiterate from my initial review that they required breaking-in for me. I adore my striped ones (see on me) but I needed a lot of breaking in around the back heel area, however my friend said she walked a mile comfortably in the same style right off the bat. The leather platform ones (see on me) were a lot more comfortable on my feet from the start. Someone asked if I'd recommend Soludos espadrilles for walking 5 to 6 miles in as a tourist, and to be frank, I would not walk that much in anything other than sneakerswith the proper support! At the end of the day, espadrilles are fashion shoes with woven, flat insoles, so not something I'd recommend for serious time spent on your feet. Fit note: I have both styles in size 5. The leather ones fit very snug in the beginning, but quickly stretched to the shape of my feet.

Minimalistic heels: You guys have seen these Stecy sandals on me so much, I won't bore you with another writeup! I have this style shoe in both nude and black, and they continue to look elegant with nearly everything. They are 4 inch stiletto heels though so not a shoe for prolonged wear. Here's the more comfortable, lower popular BP version that many of my friends & family members have (just noticed they came out with a low wedge version too with great reviews). Fit note: The front straps and insoles run narrow on the Stecy sandals.
As promised above, here are some easy steps to folding a square scarf into an oblong-shaped one. I find that I get a lot more use out of my lightweight square scarves this way! Before you begin folding on a flat surface, make sure the outer side of the scarf is facing down and the interior is facing up:

The number of folds you should do between steps 1 and 3 depend on how thin you want your scarf to look. I also like this simply draped over an outfit of plain, solid pieces:

And for a fun twist, this bow style is one I've seen done often using a scarf ring. I don't have such a ring, so used a hair elastic! It may look complicated at first glance, but is so easy to do and takes seconds with a little practice. I did this with my square scarf, but this fold is actually ideal for thin, long rectangular scarves! I can't wait to try it with my floral linen one.
1. Start with a long scarf (or, a square one folded into this shape) draped around your neck.
2. Slip an elastic over the two tail ends, until it's below your neck where you want the bow to be.
3. Twist the elastic into a figure 8, with the two tail ends now in the upper loop of the figure 8.
4. Like threading the eye of a needle, insert one tail end at a time into the lower loop of the figure 8. Pull through, leaving some material behind as one half of the bow.
5. Repeat with the other side, then fluff out the bow. Let me know if you give this a try!

27 comments:

HI Jean! First off, I am a huge fan! Thank you for keeping your blog updated with all of your fun travels and inspiring outfits :)

I am in need of some fashion advice: I am traveling to Asia during the summer, so I am looking to buy some comfortable and cute sandals so I can walk around with style and ease! I'm looking at the brand Aerosoles, but I'm not sure if I like their style. Do you have any recommendations?

Thank you for the great tips! Especially find useful how narrow or wide strappy sandals on as I have wide foot and too often can't wear strappy sandals sadly. I love the idea of buying cropped/capri jeans as normal jeans for petites! Brilliant.

I wonder if your HM blazer is from kids department or women's? I've tried both EU 32 and 34 of women's and I think they're quite big on petite person... would be great if you could let me know, thanks!